Prime Lenses for Photography and Video Production

Author

Released

5/19/2016

Most cameras come with a zoom lens, and there's no denying a zoom lens provides focal-length flexibility. But prime lenses—ones with a fixed focal length—have their place. They're often faster, and their optical qualities can be superior to that of a zoom lens.

In this course, Rich Harrington joins cinematographer James Ball for a detailed look at the pros and cons of using prime lenses for both photography and video projects. Together, they look at practical implications of shooting with primes as well as creative opportunities and challenges.

Topics include:

Understanding prime lenses

Adapting lenses to specific cameras

Identifying benefits and challenges when working with prime lenses

Working with specialty prime lenses: macro and Lomography lenses

Exploring options with a shallow depth of field

Strategies for success with prime lenses

Skill Level Intermediate

2h 46m

Duration

33,417

Views

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- Hi, we're gonna be exploring today,a look at prime lenses for bothphoto and video applications.My name's Rich Harrington,and I am a photographer,as well as a director for video productions.And joining me today is Jim Ball.Jim, tell the folks a little bit about yourself.- Well I work in the film and video industry,mostly video these days.And I do a variety ofdifferent types of programmingfrom documentaries to commercials,to broadcast TV.- [Rich] To get started, we're gonna explorewhat is a prime lens,and how is it different from a zoom lens?Now, many of you may shoot with zoom lenses,as these are the lenses that are typically includedin the kit with a camera.

And most traditional video camerasship with zoom lenses,due to their flexibility.But there are both pros, and of course consto shooting with prime lenses,we're gonna walk you through what those are.We'll also explore common mounting typesfor photo and video workflows.As well as how you can adapt a lens.A lot of times, people will find vintage lenses,or have lenses from one manufacturerthat they want to take to a different camera.And these can be made to workthrough a series of adapters.Plus, we'll talk about options likemaking sure that the lensproperly covers your camera sensor,so you get optimal image quality.

And, explore some of the optionsboth in camera and on lensfor stabilization.- In this class we're also gonna gothrough pros and cons of using prime lenses.One of the big advantages, of course,is that enhanced shallow depth of fieldthat you get from the wider aperture.There's specialty lenses,one of the more popular is the macro lens,that you can do very extreme close ups,and we'll go through some of these specialty lensesthat have not only a single focal length,but have their own particular use.

And because cameras are getting smaller and more portable,having lenses that are equally portable,and great for mobile productionsare a perfect exampleto take advantage of prime lenses.Now we'll certainly discuss some of the cons,the disadvantages of working with primes.Because we like working with that shallow depth of field,we'll also look at some of the challenges ofworking practically with that aesthetic likevery shallow focus,the requirement to have maybe a,some help in the focus department.

- [Rich] Prime lenses offer the opportunityfor specialty shooting types.We'll explore some of themany ones out there that offer unique performance options.As well as some aesthetic choices,things like lensbaby lensesand lomography lenses,which give you a very particular look in camera.And because all of thiswill affect how you shoot,whether it's stills or video,we're gonna share with you some practical strategieson how we get the shot,and really take you out onto the field as well,so you can witnesshow these lenses are put to useand what results you get.

So, we've got a lot to cover,I'm really excited that you could join us.Let's get started.